Unique local laws and relatively affordable homes in Trenton
Anybody who drives into Trenton knows they’ve hit the city limits when they see signs advertising the unique speed limit of 31 miles per hour. Regardless of how the number was decided — some sources cite it as a compromise between 30 and 35 — the limit remains today as a point of pride for the community. In addition to having quirky local laws, Trenton is the seat of Gibson County, and the courthouse is the epicenter of activity in the city. But residents are drawn to Trenton for its relatively affordable housing prices and nearby outdoor recreation.
Older homes in town with lower prices than nearby areas
Trenton’s residential streets are mainly south of the courthouse square, lined up in a haphazard grid. Tall oak trees shade the sidewalks on the roads near downtown. Homes generally date from the 20th century, though buyers can find a few scattered newer builds. “There are a lot of older homes there,” says Realtor Betty Brown, the owner of Vantage Real Estate Services and a lifelong resident of the area. “There aren’t a lot of the newer homes being built there because there’s not a lot of industry to attract people.” Ranch-style houses and properties with Craftsman influences are most common, with prices ranging from $60,000 to $280,000. The median sales price in Trenton is $150,000, lower than nearby communities like Medina and Alamo.
Outdoor activities at Shady Acres Park or Gibson County Lake
Shady Acres Park is the main spot for recreation in town. The park has several baseball and softball fields for youth leagues, plus a handful of tennis courts and a playground. But its biggest attraction is its arboretum, which features over 150 species of trees and walking paths to view them. A dog park is just down the street, with separate fenced-off areas for small and large dogs. Gibson County Lake is a popular bass fishing spot 6 miles outside Trenton. “It’s a fishing lake,” Brown says. “It’s a little over 500 acres, but it’s a no-wake lake. Every once in a while, they’ll have fishing tournaments over there, and those attract a lot of people.”
Education at the Trenton Special School District
The Trenton Special School District serves the city and receives a B-minus overall grade from Niche. Students can start at Trenton Elementary, which gets a B-minus rating. Trenton Rosenwald Middle also receives a B-minus, while Peabody High is rated a B. Peabody High partners with the University of Tennessee at Martin for dual enrollment English courses.
Restaurants near the courthouse square and shopping along the bypass
Downtown Trenton centers on the Gibson County Courthouse, with small businesses and restaurants lining the square. Scott’s Pizza Kitchen and the Square Tavern share a building, featuring Chicago-style fare and a relaxed barroom atmosphere. A couple of blocks away, the Tidal Wave Grill is themed to the local high school’s nickname, the Golden Tide. Shopping centers and fast food restaurants sit along the Highway 45 Bypass outside downtown, including a Food Rite grocery store at the Davy Crockett Mall. More shopping, including a Walmart, is located 10 miles south in Humboldt.
Gibson County Fair and Teapot Festival both held in Trenton
The Gibson County Fair has been held yearly since 1869 and advertises itself as the longest continually running fair in the region. The eight-day event takes place at the Gibson County Fairgrounds in Trenton and includes livestock and produce awards, carnival rides and live entertainment. Trenton’s other major event, the Teapot Festival, highlights the city’s collection of rare teapots, donated by a benefactor in 1955. The festival features a fireworks show and a parade over its week-long celebration.
Commutes 30 miles south to Jackson for work and other needs
While agriculture is a significant industry in the area, many residents commute 30 miles south to Jackson for work. The Northwest Tennessee Human Resource Agency offers an on-demand transit service in Trenton, but most people drive their own cars. Interstate 40 runs through Jackson, leading most of the 100 miles toward Memphis. The closest commercial flights are from Jackson Regional Airport, with connections to Chicago and Atlanta. The West Tennessee Healthcare Milan Hospital has the nearest emergency room, about 13 miles away.
